London Scottish made light of the departure of six first team squad members to register a first British & Irish Cup triumph pf the campaign last week.
Tries from Mark Bright, Miles Mantella and Jim Thompson were enough to see off Llanelli 25-14 on Saturday, with the visitors grabbing two late scores of their own to add some respectability to the scoreline.
The result came 24 hours after the Exiles continued to cut ties with the team that got director of rugby Simon Amor’s men to the Championship and ensured last season’s subsequent survival.
James Kellard, Alex Clarke, Ben Lonergan, Marcus Bloomberg and Mungo Strachan are all permanently leaving the club, with Aaron Liffchak being packed off to Rosslyn Park on loan.
Their exit was on the cards ever since the club decided to switch to a daytime training schedule in November – meaning those on part-time contracts were unlikely to adapt to a new regime designed to mirror a more professional full-time set-up.
“I would like to thank them all for their commitment to London Scottish and their support of the changes which have been made in the best interests of the club,” said Amor ahead of tomorrow’s return trip to Llanelli.
“Their selfless support shows a huge amount about each one of their characters.
“I would particularly like to thank James Kellard and Aaron Liffchak for their significant contributions last season in helping us maintain our Championship status.
“Alex Clarke and Ben Lonergan have both made such an enormous impact at the club over a number of years.
“Both are crowd favourites and were critical to our successful promotion season from National Division One in 2011 as well as our first season in the Championship.
“Everyone involved in the playing department wish them the very best of luck.”
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